A Divya Desam in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Mahabalipuram, traditionally regarded as the birthplace of the Alvar saint Bhoothathalvar, standing within a coastal town famous…
A Divya Desam in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Mahabalipuram, traditionally regarded as the birthplace of the Alvar saint Bhoothathalvar, standing within a coastal town famous for its Pallava-era shore temples and rock-cut monuments.
The temple has ancient roots in the Pallava period, the dynasty responsible for Mahabalipuram's famous rock-cut and structural monuments, though the present built structure reflects later renovation typical of many Tamil Nadu temples that have been continuously maintained across centuries.
Distinct from Mahabalipuram's famous open-air rock reliefs and the Shore Temple, this Divya Desam is a built structural temple, following a Dravidian layout, standing somewhat apart from the more heavily touristed monuments nearby.
The temple is traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Bhoothathalvar, one of the earliest of the twelve Alvar poet-saints, adding particular devotional weight to this site within the wider story of the Divya Prabandham's composition.
Darshan | Start | End | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Morning Darshan | 6:00 AM | 12:00 PM | Open | Morning darshan and rituals are available. |
Afternoon Break | 12:00 PM | 3:30 PM | Closed | Temple remains closed during afternoon hours. |
Evening Darshan | 3:30 PM | 8:30 PM | Open | Evening darshan and worship are available. |
Temple Closing | — | 8:30 PM | Closed | Final rituals conclude the day. |
Pooja | Time | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Kalasanthi Pooja | 8:30 AM | Free | Morning worship with traditional rituals. |
Thiruvaradhanam | 9:00 AM | Free | Regular offering and worship ceremony. |
Uchikala Pooja | 11:30 AM | Free | Midday worship with naivedyam offerings. |
Sayarakshai Pooja | 5:30 PM | Free | Evening lamp ceremony and prayers. |
Night Thiruvaradhanam | 8:00 PM | Free | Final worship before temple closing. |
Darshan | Price | Waiting Time | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
General Darshan | Free | 10–20 minutes | Walk-in |
Special Darshan | ₹20 onwards | 5–15 minutes | Temple Counter |
Archana | ₹5 onwards | Immediate | Temple Counter |
Special Sevas | Varies | Advance Booking | Temple Office |
Seva | Time | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Archana Seva | Daily | ₹50 onwards | Individual prayers with offerings. |
Thirumanjanam | Morning | ₹500 onwards | Sacred bathing ritual with traditional offerings. |
Tulasi Archana | Daily | ₹100 onwards | Offering of Tulasi leaves during worship. |
Sahasranama Archana | Special Days | ₹200 onwards | Recitation of Vishnu names with offerings. |
Special Alankaram | Festival Days | Varies | Decorative arrangements with flowers and ornaments. |
Sankalp Pooja | On Request | Varies | Personalized prayers for devotees and families. |
Festival | Month | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
Brahmotsavam | Chithirai (March–April) | Annual festival with special rituals, decorations, and deity processions. |
Vaikunta Ekadasi | December–January | Special Vishnu worship with extended darshan and devotional programs. |
Bhoothathazhwar Avatara Utsavam | Aippasi (October–November) | Celebrations connected with the birth anniversary of Bhoothathazhwar. |
Garuda Sevai | Festival Days | Special procession with Garuda vahana celebrations. |
Adhyayana Utsavam | December–January | Traditional recitation of Divya Prabandham hymns and Vaishnavite celebrations. |
Purattasi Saturdays | September–October | Special Vishnu prayers and offerings. |
Prasadam | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
Chakkara Pongal | ₹40–₹80 | Sweet rice preparation offered during worship. |
Puliyodarai | ₹30–₹60 | Traditional tamarind rice prasadam. |
Ven Pongal | ₹30–₹60 | Savory rice offering prepared traditionally. |
Laddu | ₹40–₹80 | Sweet prasadam available during special occasions. |
Tulasi Theertham | Free | Sacred water distributed after darshan. |
Nearest airport: Chennai International Airport (~60 km). Mahabalipuram is well connected by road to Chennai; East Coast Road is the scenic route.
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📍 Sthalasayana Perumal Temple, Mahabalipuram, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu 603104
Planning to stay overnight? Find places to stay near Sthalasayana Perumal Temple (Thirukkadanmallai).
Search Hotels on Booking.comMahabalipuram has a wide range of accommodation given its status as a major tourist destination, from budget guesthouses to resorts.
The Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna's Penance rock relief, and Mahabalipuram beach are all within walking distance.
